As Brazil's political landscape prepares for the 2026 elections, we observe an intense presence of public figures in religious spaces. This phenomenon invites us to a pastoral pause: what should be the stance of Christ's Church before the appeals of temporal power? In a world where boundaries between faith and politics often blur, we are called to remember the words of Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:20: "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ" (NIV).
The Primary Calling: Being Salt and Light
Regardless of who visits our churches or seeks our support, our fundamental identity remains unchanged. Jesus commissioned us to be "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-14, NIV). This vocation transcends any electoral cycle or partisan alliance. As a community of faith, our first commitment is to God's Kingdom and His righteousness, as taught in Matthew 6:33.
The recent passing of Pope Francis in April 2025 and the subsequent election of Pope León XIV remind us that even the greatest religious institutions undergo transitions. However, the essence of faith remains: our foundation is not in human leaders, but in Christ, the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
Discernment Amid Political Approaches
When public figures intensify their presence in faith communities, a valuable opportunity arises to exercise spiritual discernment. First John 4:1 warns us: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (NIV).
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)
This discernment involves some fundamental questions:
- Do the proposals presented honor human dignity created in God's image?
- Do they promote justice for the poor and marginalized, as repeatedly emphasized by the prophets?
- Do they respect religious freedom and healthy separation between Church and State?
- Do they contribute to the peace and unity of Christ's body, or potentially divide it?
Unity in Diversity: An Ecumenical Witness
As an ecumenical platform, EncuentraIglesias.com celebrates the diversity of Brazil's Christian family. In times of potential division, we remember Jesus' priestly prayer in John 17:21: "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (NIV).
Our unity in Christ is deeper than any temporary political alignment. Pentecostals, Baptists, Congregationalists, Foursquare Christians, and believers from all traditions share a common faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. This shared identity should inform our civic engagement, not the other way around.
Lessons from Church History
Church history is full of both positive and cautionary examples about the relationship between faith and political power. From the martyrs of the Roman Empire who refused to place Caesar above Christ, to the reformers who challenged corrupt alliances between throne and altar, we learn that faithfulness to God sometimes requires respectful resistance to power structures.
The prophet Daniel served faithfully under foreign empires without compromising his exclusive worship of God. His example shows us that we can participate in public life while maintaining our spiritual identity intact. Like him, we are called to be "as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16, NIV).
Reflective Practice: Cultivating Rooted Faith
As we observe political activity around faith communities, let us cultivate a spirituality deeply rooted in Christ. Constant prayer, communal Bible study, and respectful dialogue with brothers and sisters of different perspectives will help us maintain our focus on the eternal. Let us remember that our primary calling is to proclaim the gospel of reconciliation, being witnesses of God's transforming love in a world seeking answers.
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